Premiere of Trombone Concerto receives warm reception in NYC

The New York Times and New York Classical Review praised the world premiere of William Bolcom’s Trombone Concerto, featuring the Philharmonic’s principal trombonist, Joseph Alessi. 

​Review: NY Phil Biennial’s Ambitious Wrap-Up, From Boulez to Bolcom
Anthony Tommasini, June 12, 2016 

…the mood was festive for a program offering a look at what’s going on with American concertos these days. It began with the premiere of William Bolcom’s Trombone Concerto, featuring the Philharmonic’s formidable principal trombonist, Joseph Alessi. The premiere coincided with the 45th annual International Trombone Festival at the Juilliard School. Speaking from the stage, Mr. Bolcom asked the trombonists in attendance to stand up. What looked like many dozens did. 

Two American concertos receive strong advocacy at Philharmonic Biennial  
George Grella, June 11, 2016 

…Bolcom is a fine composer, with music that provides classical sophistication and concert-hall structure to the Great American Songbook, jazz, and blues. His Trombone Concerto—co-commissioned by the Philharmonic—is a prime example. In three movements, the piece nods at Beethoven and Renaissance vocal music in the first movement. Titled “Quasi una fantasia,” it is full of modal counterpoint and chorales. The middle movement has a blues in 6/8 time and concludes with some impressive orchestral jazz.